Attitudes toward psychopharmacology among hospitalized patients from diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds
2008

Patients' Attitudes Toward Medication in Psychiatry

Sample size: 100 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Thorens Gabriel, Gex-Fabry Marianne, Zullino Daniele F, Eytan Ariel

Primary Institution: University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland

Hypothesis

The study aims to investigate ethno-culturally determined beliefs, expectations, and attitudes toward medication among hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Conclusion

Patients' attitudes toward medication should be investigated in clinical practice, as specific expectations and prejudice exist.

Supporting Evidence

  • 68% of patients expected side effects from their medication.
  • 60% were willing to stop medication due to side effects.
  • 34% believed their mental disorder could have been treated without drugs.
  • 35% of immigrant patients thought medication affected them differently than local patients.

Takeaway

This study looked at how different cultural backgrounds affect patients' views on medication. It found that many patients have specific worries and beliefs about their treatment.

Methodology

An ad hoc questionnaire was designed to assess patients' expectations, attitudes, and prejudice toward medication.

Potential Biases

Cultural biases may influence prescription patterns and patient attitudes.

Limitations

The study used country of origin as a proxy for ethno-cultural background and did not record diagnoses.

Participant Demographics

The sample included 100 hospitalized patients, predominantly male (63%), with 54% from Switzerland.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.041; p = 0.010

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-244X-8-55

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication